Robin Williams had early Parkinson's disease, wife says

Movie star, who was battling early stages of disease, was sober at time of death, she says

Updated 10:32 pm, Thursday, August 14, 2014

Photo: Gilbert Carrasquillo, FilmMagic / Getty

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Susan Schneider (left) and her husband comedian Robin Williams attend The Comedy Awards 2012 in New York City. Schneider disclosed that Williams was dealing with the early stages of Parkinson's Disease.

Susan Schneider (left) and her husband comedian Robin Williams attend The Comedy Awards 2012 in New York City. Schneider disclosed that Williams was dealing with the early stages of Parkinson's Disease.

This Nov. 8, 2012 file photo shows Robin Williams performing at the 6th Annual Stand Up For Heroes benefit concert for injured service members and veterans in New York. Williams, whose free-form comedy and adept impressions dazzled audiences for decades, has died in an apparent suicide. He was 63. less

This Nov. 8, 2012 file photo shows Robin Williams performing at the 6th Annual Stand Up For Heroes benefit concert for injured service members and veterans in New York. Williams, whose free-form comedy and ... more

Photo: Charles Sykes, Associated Press

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Robin Williams is seen in a photo shot Dec. 24, 1987. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Robin Williams is seen in a photo shot Dec. 24, 1987. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Photo: Fred Larson, The Chronicle

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Robin Williams, left, and Matt Damon appear in a scene from the movie "Good Will Hunting" in 1997.

Robin Williams, left, and Matt Damon appear in a scene from the movie "Good Will Hunting" in 1997.

Photo: George Kraychyk, AP

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Actor Robin Williams holds up his Oscar after winning in the Best Actor in a Supporting Role category during the 70th Academy Awards 23 March at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Williams won for his role as a psychotherapist helping a troubled math genius in "Good Will Hunting." less

Actor Robin Williams holds up his Oscar after winning in the Best Actor in a Supporting Role category during the 70th Academy Awards 23 March at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Williams won for his role ... more

Photo: Timothy A. Clary, AFP/Getty Images

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This is the first appearance of the alien Mork from Ork (Robin Wiliams, center), which earned him and Williams his own spin-off series, "Mork & Mindy". Mork came to Earth looking for someone to study and picked Richie (Ron Howard, right). Henry Winkler (Fonzie) also starred. less

This is the first appearance of the alien Mork from Ork (Robin Wiliams, center), which earned him and Williams his own spin-off series, "Mork & Mindy". Mork came to Earth looking for someone to study and picked ... more

Photo: ABC PHOTO ARCHIVES, Getty Images

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

The character of Mork, an alien from the planet of Ork, became so popular from an episode of "Happy Days" that it was spun-off into this series starring Robin Williams in the lead role (his first major acting break). The misfit alien was sent to study Earthlings by his fellow Orkans. Landing in a giant eggshell, near Boulder, Colorado, he was befriended by Mindy McConnell (Pam Dawber), who helped him adjust to Earth's strange ways. less

The character of Mork, an alien from the planet of Ork, became so popular from an episode of "Happy Days" that it was spun-off into this series starring Robin Williams in the lead role (his first major acting ... more

Photo: JIM BRITT, Getty Images

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Robin Williams, September 28, 1981. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Robin Williams, September 28, 1981. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Photo: Steve Ringman, The Chronicle

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Comedian Robin Williams, who will star in "The World According to Garp," is shown, July 21, 1982, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo)

Comedian Robin Williams, who will star in "The World According to Garp," is shown, July 21, 1982, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo)

Photo: Anonymous, Wire Photo

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Robin Williams and Wife Valerie Williams during Robin Williams After "Saturday Night Live" Taping in New York City - November 11, 1978 at NBC Studios in New York City, New York, United States.

Robin Williams and Wife Valerie Williams during Robin Williams After "Saturday Night Live" Taping in New York City - November 11, 1978 at NBC Studios in New York City, New York, United States.

Photo: Ron Galella, Getty Images

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Robin Williams on Chronicle Comedy Day - July 25, 1987 at the Polo Field in Golden Gate Park. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Robin Williams on Chronicle Comedy Day - July 25, 1987 at the Polo Field in Golden Gate Park. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Photo: Deanne Fitzmaurice, The Chronicle

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Robin Williams was an aspiring comedian in 1978. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Robin Williams was an aspiring comedian in 1978. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Photo: Ho

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Robin Williams at Gary Hart Fundraiser. St. Francis Hotel. Jun 4, 1984. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Robin Williams at Gary Hart Fundraiser. St. Francis Hotel. Jun 4, 1984. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Photo: Chris Stewart, The Chronicle

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Robin Williams, at the age of 7, with his mother Laurie Williams.

Robin Williams, at the age of 7, with his mother Laurie Williams.

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Robin Williams, September 25, 1984.

Robin Williams, September 25, 1984.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Robin Williams with Will Durst (left) at Durst's campaign headquarters, after Durst lost a run for mayor. Dec. 9, 1987

Robin Williams with Will Durst (left) at Durst's campaign headquarters, after Durst lost a run for mayor. Dec. 9, 1987

Photo: Chronicle Archives

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Robin Williams, October 4, 1980

Robin Williams, October 4, 1980

Photo: Mike Maloney, The Chronicle

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Robin Williams narrates Peter and the Wolf with a youth symphony on Dec. 12, 1993.

Robin Williams narrates Peter and the Wolf with a youth symphony on Dec. 12, 1993.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Robin Williams in the 1980s.

Robin Williams in the 1980s.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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Robin Williams is seen in a November, 1995 file photo.

Robin Williams is seen in a November, 1995 file photo.

Photo: Chris Stewart, SFC

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Jack Nicholson, right, and Robin Williams share a laugh as they pose with their Oscars at the 70th annual Academy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Monday, March 23, 1998. Nicholson won for his role in "As Good As It Gets" and Williams for his role in "Good Will Hunting." less

Jack Nicholson, right, and Robin Williams share a laugh as they pose with their Oscars at the 70th annual Academy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Monday, March 23, 1998. Nicholson won for his ... more

Photo: Reed Saxon, Associated Press

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Holding their Oscar awards for acting, (L to R) Kim Basinger, Robin Williams, Helen Hunt and Jack Nicholson celebrate their success following the 70th Annual Academy Awards, March 23 in Los Angeles. Basinger won best supporting actress for her role in "L.A. Confidential," Williams won best supporting actor for "Good Will Hunting," Hunt won best actress for her role in "As Good As It Gets," and Nicholson won best actor for his role in "As Good As It Gets." less

Listening to a few speeches just before the start of the race, from left, Dylan Casey, retired olympian, actor Robin Williams, and George Hincapie, professional bike racer.
A 25-mile Breakaway from Cancer charity bike ride which started at the Marina Green on Dec. 3, 2006. less

Listening to a few speeches just before the start of the race, from left, Dylan Casey, retired olympian, actor Robin Williams, and George Hincapie, professional bike racer.
A 25-mile Breakaway from Cancer ... more

Photo: Penni Gladstone, SFC

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Robin Williams as comedian-turned-candidate Tom Dobbs in "Man of the Year," 2006.

Robin Williams as comedian-turned-candidate Tom Dobbs in "Man of the Year," 2006.

Photo: Photo Credit: Ava Gerlitz / Univ

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Awards recipients, director Spike Lee (L) and actor Robin Williams, laugh before the 50th San Francisco International Film Festival's Film Society Awards in San Francisco, California, May 3, 2007.

Awards recipients, director Spike Lee (L) and actor Robin Williams, laugh before the 50th San Francisco International Film Festival's Film Society Awards in San Francisco, California, May 3, 2007.

Photo: Dino Vournas, REUTERS

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Comedian and actor Robin Williams appears on MTV's Total Request Live, Thursday, April 27, 2006 at MTV studios in New York City. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63. less

Comedian and actor Robin Williams appears on MTV's Total Request Live, Thursday, April 27, 2006 at MTV studios in New York City. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He ... more

Photo: Stephen Chernin, AP

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Comedians Robin Williams and Billy Crystal were in the Giants dugout before a game in 2007.

Comedians Robin Williams and Billy Crystal were in the Giants dugout before a game in 2007.

Comedians Robin Williams (left) and Mort Sahl (right) attend opening the opening night party of the Mill Valley Film Festival at the Outdoor Art Club in Mill Valley, California, on Thursday, October 6, 2011.

Comedians Robin Williams (left) and Mort Sahl (right) attend opening the opening night party of the Mill Valley Film Festival at the Outdoor Art Club in Mill Valley, California, on Thursday, October 6, 2011.

Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Robin Williams helped out Larry Page Google's Presadent with explaning some of the computer terms at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Robin Williams helped out Larry Page Google's Presadent with explaning some of the computer terms at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Photo: Kurt Rogers, SFC

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Sean Penn (left) with actor Robin Williams and comedian Frank Ferrante at Teatro ZinZanni for a fundraiser in 2010.

Sean Penn (left) with actor Robin Williams and comedian Frank Ferrante at Teatro ZinZanni for a fundraiser in 2010.

Photo: Catherine Bigelow, Special To The Chronicle

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

The San Francisco Film Society hosted its 50th Awards Gala at the St. Francis Hotel with Robin Williams in 2010.

The San Francisco Film Society hosted its 50th Awards Gala at the St. Francis Hotel with Robin Williams in 2010.

Photo: Pamela Gentile, Freelance

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

The San Francisco Film Society hosted its 50th Awards Gala at the St. Francis Hotel in 2010.
From left: Comedian Bonnie Hunt presented the Film Award to Robin Williams.

The San Francisco Film Society hosted its 50th Awards Gala at the St. Francis Hotel in 2010.
From left: Comedian Bonnie Hunt presented the Film Award to Robin Williams.

Photo: Drew Altizer, Freelance

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

In this file photo from Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, actor Robin Williams hugs San Francisco Giants mascot Lou Seal during the first inning of Game 1 of baseball's National League Division Series in San Francisco.

In this file photo from Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, actor Robin Williams hugs San Francisco Giants mascot Lou Seal during the first inning of Game 1 of baseball's National League Division Series in San Francisco.

Photo: Ben Margot, Wire Photo

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Robin Williams and Tony Bennett pose backstage at the hit play "Bengal Tiger At The Baghdad Zoo" on Broadway at The Richard Rogers Theater on May 4, 2011 in New York City.

Robin Williams and Tony Bennett pose backstage at the hit play "Bengal Tiger At The Baghdad Zoo" on Broadway at The Richard Rogers Theater on May 4, 2011 in New York City.

Photo: Bruce Glikas, Getty Images

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Robin Williams, with his daughter, Zelda Williams, right, and third wife Susan Schneider arrive at the premiere of "Happy Feet Two" at Grauman's Chinese Theater in 2011.

Robin Williams, with his daughter, Zelda Williams, right, and third wife Susan Schneider arrive at the premiere of "Happy Feet Two" at Grauman's Chinese Theater in 2011.

Photo: Katy Winn, Wire Photo

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Actor and comedian Robin Williams during a meet-the-media weekend at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel to promote his new film, "Jumanji. in November 1995.

Actor and comedian Robin Williams during a meet-the-media weekend at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel to promote his new film, "Jumanji. in November 1995.

Photo: Chris Stewart, The Chronicle

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Susan Schneider (left) with Robin Williams and Stanlee Gatti at XPrize. May 2010.

Susan Schneider (left) with Robin Williams and Stanlee Gatti at XPrize. May 2010.

Photo: Catherine Bigelow, Special To The Chronicle

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Robin Williams had early Parkinson's disease, wife says

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Actor and comedian Robin Williams was battling early stages of Parkinson's disease, which he had not shared publicly before he was found dead from an apparent suicide Monday at his home in Tiburon, his wife said Thursday in a statement.

The revelation came as fans around the Bay Area and across the globe struggle to make sense of the death of the 63-year-old performer, who had fought drug and alcohol addiction and depression.

"Robin's sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson's disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly," his wife, Susan Schneider, said.

An estimated 1 million people in the United States have Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly and affects movement and mood, according to the National Parkinson's Foundation.

Tremors, slowed speech and sometimes dementia are among the symptoms of the incurable disease.

Several celebrities have waged public battles with Parkinson's, including singer Linda Ronstadt, who revealed in 2013 that she had the disease, and Michael J. Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1991 before publicly disclosing his condition in 1998.

"Stunned to learn Robin had PD. Pretty sure his support for our (foundation) predated his diagnosis. A true friend; I wish him peace," Fox tweeted Thursday.

Depression is sometimes a symptom of Parkinson's. Nearly 16 percent of adults reported experiencing major depression in the past year, but for Parkinson's patients that percentage is roughly twice as high, said Patricia Arean, a professor in psychiatry at UCSF and licensed clinical psychologist.

Effects on mood

In some cases, the disease influences the brain's ability to produce serotonin - a chemical thought to contribute to happiness.

"If he was already suffering from depression, the Parkinson's would probably make it worse or harder to treat," she said. "In his case, he already had several risk factors (for suicide). He was an older white man, he had a history of substance abuse, and a new illness that's known to affect mood - and a history of depression."

Older white men are more likely to take their own lives than any other demographic, and suicide rates among that group have shot up in the past decade, Arean said. Experts can't pinpoint one factor in the spike, but Arean said it might be linked to the stigma around admitting a struggle with a mood disorder.

Williams was last seen alive at 10:30 p.m. Sunday when Schneider went to bed, said Marin County sheriff's officials. On Monday, his personal assistant became concerned after he failed to answer knocks at his door, then discovered his body hanging from a belt around 11:45 a.m., said Lt. Keith Boyd, the assistant chief deputy coroner.

'Love and respect'

Schneider did not directly address the suspected suicide.

"Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, or troops on the front lines, or comforting a sick child - Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid," she said.

Williams' three children - Zachary, 31, Zelda, 25, and Cody Williams, 22 - had earlier released statements expressing sadness and confusion over their father's death. Cody Williams said there were "no words strong enough to describe the love and respect I have for my father." He expressed hope that he would see him in the afterlife.

Spouse's words

Robin Williams' wife, Susan Schneider, released the following statement Thursday:

"Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, or troops on the front lines, or comforting a sick child - Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid.

"Since his passing, all of us who loved Robin have found some solace in the tremendous outpouring of affection and admiration for him from the millions of people whose lives he touched. His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles.

"Robin's sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson's disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly.

"It is our hope in the wake of Robin's tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid."